Excessive-force lawsuit targets Crowley deputy

DENVER — A lawsuit alleges that a Crowley County deputy sheriff became irritated and used excessive force on a suspect because the suspect would not implicate himself in a DUI offense.

The allegation against Deputy Jon Miller claims that the suspect, Cyrus Eugene Adams, suffered permanent neurological injury to both of his hands.

Miller, in a recent U.S. District Court filing by his attorney, denies the allegation, made in a lawsuit filed in April. Miller’s filing states that Adams was uncooperative, but “was treated with respect during his arrest.”

The 2011 incident occurred outside the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall in Ordway, where Adams was parked.

The lawsuit alleges the deputy “became upset” because Adams “would not voluntarily provide information to potentially inculpate himself in a DUI offense.” Adams alleges that Miller intentionally applied handcuffs so tight for two hours that they cut off blood circulation in his hand, cut into his wrists and caused numbness in his hands.

Miller denies he caused any injury, and contends he acted reasonably and lawfully. He states that he stopped Adams after seeing him back out of a parking space “in a dangerous manner.”

Adams is seeking monetary damages for past and future medical care, compensation for physical and emotional harm, and to “punish and deter” Miller.